Robert Murray M’Cheyne

The Rev. Robert Murray M’Cheyne was born on May 21st 1813 and died March 25th 1843. For one who died just short of his 30th birthday it must be said that he had a hugely effective ministry, much of which was spent as the Minister of St. Peter’s Church, Dundee, in Scotland. He is thought of by many today with a fond regard, and with gratitude, as being one of God’s choicest servants. His life serves as an example of godliness, and he has been described as “….. a godly evangelical pastor and evangelist with a great love for souls.”

Here then, are just a very few quotes from this humble and devoted Christian, which may encourage you to consider your own relationship with God:

“What a man is upon his knees, that he is and no more!”

“I ought to spend the best hours of the day in communion with God. It is my noblest and most fruitful employment, and is not to be thrust into any corner.”

“Live near to God and all things will appear little to you in comparison with eternal realities.”

“Oh for closer communion with God, till soul and body – hand, face and heart shine with divine brilliancy! But oh for a holy ignorance of our shining!”

“The sunshine is always sweeter after we have been in the shade; so you will find Jesus in returning to him.”

“Your own soul is your first and greatest care.”

“No figure of speech can represent my utter want of power to resist the torrent of sin.”

“Oh, how I wished that I had a tongue like thunder, that I might make all hear; or that I had a frame like iron, that I visit everyone, and say ‘Escape for thy life!’

“… There is no believing, no repenting, no conversion in the grave – no minister will speak to you there. This is the time of conversion. Oh! My friends, you will have no ordinances in hell – there will be no preaching in hell … Oh that you would use this little time! Every moment of it is worth a world.”

Much has been written about Robert Murray M’Cheyne, and a great deal can of course be found on the Internet. Here is a link to a site, with material which may spur you on to read more about him, and more importantly, M’Cheyne’s God: